(December 13, 2012) A quick look at the recent news in the world of tennis.
The Chilean newspaper La Tercera reports that the Vina de Mar tournament wants to offer Rafael Nadal a $1.2 million appearance fee to play the tournament. Vina del Mar is a clay court event played the week of February 4, 2013.
Nadal confirmed on Tuesday that he’ll play the exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi in late December. “Can’t wait to get back on court in Abu Dhabi at the end of the month,” said on his Facebook page and Twitter account. “I won the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in 2010 and 2011 – would love to get my hands on the trophy again this year!”
Nadal has been off the tour with a knee injury since losing in the second round of Wimbledon.
Serena Williams and Andy Murray have been nominated for a Laureus Sports Award. Williams is nominated in the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year category while Murray is up for Breakthrough of the Year award.
Williams was also tapped on Wednesday by the French newspaper L’Equipe as Sportswoman of the year.
Wimbledon recorded record profits in 2012. The Lawn Tennis Association reports that profits jumped 7.1 percent to a record $60.8 million dollars.
Former No. 1 Kim Clijsters bid farewell to tennis on Wednesday in an exhibition match against Venus Williams in Belgium. Clijsters won the match 6-3, 6-3. Clijsters played her last competitive match at the US Open.
The ATP finalized the sale of the Los Angeles tournament to Bogota, Colombia on Wednesday.
The ATP World Tour 250 event tournament will take place July 15-21, 2013 at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento in Bogotá, the same venue that hosted an ATP World Tour event from 1997–2002.
The Lawn Tennis Association Limited (LTA) appointed David Gregson as independent Chairman of the LTA Board on Wednesday.
David is the Chairman of Precise Media Group, and of CRI, a leading UK health and social care charity. He is also a Director of the London Legacy Development Corporation, which is transforming the Olympic Park following the 2012 Games, and a member of the Advisory Board for the Sutton Trust, promoting social mobility through education.
Maria Sharapova and Samantha Stosur have committed to play the Bank of the West Classic. The tournament will take place July 22-28 at Stanford’s Taube Family Tennis Stadium.